Senior Director of Development, Athletics

CSU Careers • Fullerton, CA

10d

About The Position

College and Program Development generates financial support for Cal State Fullerton, benefiting each of the eight colleges, Student Affairs, Titan Athletics, the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton, and the Pollak Library. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Senior Director of Development, Athletics (Administrator II). Cal State Fullerton's Titan Athletics program is a dynamic and integral part of the university, participating in the NCAA Division I Big West Conference with nineteen teams. The Titans have achieved thirteen national championships across eight different sports, showcasing their competitive spirit and excellence in athletics. The program is designed to be a vital component of the educational experience at CSUF, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement alongside athletic success. The athletics department is committed to providing a quality experience for all student-athletes, focusing on fair play, sportsmanship, and teamwork. It also aims to enhance the image of CSUF locally and nationally, fostering pride and involvement among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude, an active, energetic mind, and a leadership style that is characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for College and Program Development and partnering with the Director of Athletics, the Senior Director of Development plays a pivotal role. The Senior Director Development for Athletics will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns directly with the Athletics Director’s vision and the university’s advancement goals. As a frontline major gift officer, the Senior Director will engage with a portfolio of alumni, corporate and foundation partners, parents, and friends, with a focus on donors with the capacity to give $25,000 and above, including principal and planned gifts. The role requires both strategic thinking and a personal passion for relationship-building. This position will lead coaches and senior campus administrators to acquire critical funding for athletic scholarships and programs. Develops and maintains concept strategies for divisional fundraising priorities and will also develop an annual strategic fundraising plan supportive of the fundraising priorities and goals established by the Assistant Vice President for College and Program Development and the Director of Athletics. Works closely with the Alumni Association to develop the interests of alumni and friends of the University as it relates to Athletics. The position will serve on the Director of Athletics Administration Team. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field is required.
• Candidates must have a minimum of five years of direct major gift fundraising experience, including work on capital or comprehensive campaigns with a primary focus on the cultivation and solicitation of large gifts.
• Experience cultivating prospects and successfully closing major gifts is essential, as is the ability to work with individuals at various levels of an organization who may assist in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of gifts.
• The role requires experience coordinating fundraising and cultivation events, as well as developing and implementing a strategic approach to development that includes built-in assessment measures to evaluate progress and success.
• Candidates should be comfortable making frequent on- and off-site presentations to individuals and corporate leaders and must be able to collaborate with teams of faculty, staff, and students.
• The ideal candidate is dynamic, self-motivated, and goal-oriented, with experience using development software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
• The individual must adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality, ethics, and professional judgment in handling institutional data and information and demonstrate a high level of initiative, creativity, and collaboration.
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment.
• CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.
• Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in athletic fundraising within a university environment.
• An understanding of university culture and corporate partnerships is also essential.
• A valid California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns directly with the Athletics Director’s vision and the university’s advancement goals.
• Engaging with a portfolio of alumni, corporate and foundation partners, parents, and friends, with a focus on donors with the capacity to give $25,000 and above, including principal and planned gifts.
• Leading coaches and senior campus administrators to acquire critical funding for athletic scholarships and programs.
• Developing and maintaining concept strategies for divisional fundraising priorities
• Developing an annual strategic fundraising plan supportive of the fundraising priorities and goals established by the Assistant Vice President for College and Program Development and the Director of Athletics.
• Working closely with the Alumni Association to develop the interests of alumni and friends of the University as it relates to Athletics.
• Serving on the Director of Athletics Administration Team.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director